Seamus Coleman handed Ireland leadership role as Collins returns to squad

Seamus Coleman will join the Republic of Ireland camp in a combined training and leadership capacity after Heimir Hallgrimsson opted against naming him in his latest playing squad. BBC Sport reported that the defender will take part in sessions with the players while also supporting the coaches during the November international window.

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Coleman, 38, has been without a club since leaving Everton in the summer and has not played since June. Although he has recently discussed the possibility of retirement, Hallgrimsson said the 81-cap defender had indicated that he wanted to resume playing. The manager hopes involvement in the camp will encourage him to take that step.

Hallgrimsson acknowledged that selecting Coleman had been a consideration, citing his previous ability to perform for Ireland despite limited club football. For now, however, the arrangement gives him a supporting role rather than a place among the 24 selected players. BBC Sport also reported that Evan Ferguson and Josh Cullen remain absent through injury, while Owen Elding moves to the under-21 squad.

The Football Association of Ireland confirmed the return of captain Nathan Collins and attacking midfielder Harvey Vale in its squad announcement. Both are back after recovering from injury. Collins is among nine defenders selected, alongside players including Dara O'Shea, John Egan, Jake O'Brien and Liam Scales, while Vale joins midfield options that include Jayson Molumby, Jason Knight and Finn Azaz.

There is also a change among the three goalkeepers, with Mark Travers replacing the injured Gavin Bazunu. Caoimhin Kelleher and Max O'Leary complete that group. The FAI's announced six-man forward contingent comprises Troy Parrott, Adam Idah, Tom Cannon, Jack Moylan, Chiedozie Ogbene and Rocco Vata, giving Hallgrimsson his selected attacking options for the final two fixtures of the Nations League campaign.

The squad is due to gather in Dublin on Monday before travelling to Austria. Ireland play at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz on Saturday, November 14, then return to Dublin to meet Kosovo at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, November 17, according to the federation's confirmed schedule.